• Built-in battery management unit allows easy replacement of lead storage battery
• Charged in just 20 minutes and retains 80% of capacity over 10 years’ use
• Three-quarters lighter than commonly used lead storage batteries

TOKYO — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 8, 2017 — Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced the latest addition to its SCiB™ line-up of innovative lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the SIP series of modules for automated guided vehicles (AGV) and other types of industrial equipment. The new modules will be available from April.

AGV are mobile robots widely used in transportation of materials and components around factory floors and warehouses, and also in settings that include hospitals and offices. As tools for supporting work flows, their availability and reliability are key concerns. Typical AGV use lead batteries that suffer from long charge times and short lifecycles; Toshiba’s SIP series modules offer a much more cost-efficient solution.

SIP series modules integrate a battery management unit that manages voltage and internal temperature, facilitating easy replacement of lead storage batteries. Typical, widely used lead batteries have a charge time of 8 to 10 hours^*1, but SIP series modules charge in just 20 minutes. Lead batteries have a short life, and need to be replaced in roughly 2-year cycles^*2, but SIP series performance characteristics maintain over 80% battery capacity for about 10 years of use^*3. On top of all this, Toshiba’s new modules are smaller and lighter, approaching only one fourth the weight^*4 of lead storage batteries. As a final plus, SIP series modules can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C making it suitable for equipment that operates in low-temperature environments, such as cold storage and refrigerated warehouses.

Isao Aoki, Vice President of Industrial & Automotive Systems Div. of Toshiba’s Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Company said, “This is an excellent business opportunity. Our SCiB™ is lighter than a lead battery, has a rapid charge time, good charge and discharge characteristics and longer life performance. It is ideal for AGV and other industrial applications. Building on these technological strengths, we are continuing to develop the SCiB™ business in multiple directions, including automotive, home use, public and industrial applications, and large-scale energy storage system.”